E50by SoundMagic

Clearly above average. Only a couple of issues keep this from being best in class.

86%

TECHWALLA SCORE

based on the following sites

100%

94%

80%

69%

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PROS

In addition to a remote, the controls include a switch that alters the connection to work with certain devices that can otherwise be incompatible with headphones, such as some smartphones.

The sound isolation is good.

To help you get the best sound and fit, these earphones come with several tips. Also included are a cable clip and a clamshell carrying case.

CONS

There is no volume control.

The braided cable is stiff and inflexible.

If you dig really strong bass, this probably isn't the headphone for you.

For street pricing of $50, SoundMagic's E50/E50S in-ear microphone delivers sound quality far above that of cheaply made $10 earbuds. Powered by the same sort of driver that typically appears in higher-end headphones, the E50 produces remarkably well-measured audio without any obvious spikes in either bass or treble. Big brother to SoundMagic's classic E10 model, the E50 follows the same basic design, based around small barrel-like capsules for insertion into the ear. Colors are less flashy though, and for better durability, there is a 60 degree angle--instead of a straight connection--where the glossy, braided cable meets the jack.

You almost feel for the drums as the kit pounds through the thick coating of grime laid down by the synths; the E50S capture the deep bass f…

You almost feel for the drums as the kit pounds through the thick coating of grime laid down by the synths; the E50S capture the deep bass from the kick, the stab and bleed of the snare and crash of the cymbals, stretching the arrangement to make it sound at once full and gaping.

The mid range has great attack and punch – there’s no apparent scooping or colouring to be heard. The treble is open – again there’s no acce…

The mid range has great attack and punch – there’s no apparent scooping or colouring to be heard. The treble is open – again there’s no accent or over hi-fi style quality to it at all…it's just there, and it sounds right. The bass is precise and controlled.

What the SoundMagic E50 do a bit different from some rivals is that, as well as a remote, they have a little switch that alters the connecti…

What the SoundMagic E50 do a bit different from some rivals is that, as well as a remote, they have a little switch that alters the connection to suit certain phone types that just don’t get along with some remote headphones.

With the standard comply foam tips and average sized barrel housings, the SoundMAGIC’s do what they feel necessary to achieve a solid comfor…

With the standard comply foam tips and average sized barrel housings, the SoundMAGIC’s do what they feel necessary to achieve a solid comfortable fit. The in-line remote, however, is placed at a slightly impractical level which might take a bit of adjusting to for a quick change of song.

The SoundMAGIC E50S conforms to the same basic design as the E10, with the small barrel-like capsules and glossy braided cable but now inste…

The SoundMAGIC E50S conforms to the same basic design as the E10, with the small barrel-like capsules and glossy braided cable but now instead of the straight connection where the cable meets the jack, the E50S sports a 60 degree angle between them, to cut down on stresses.